Forced to sign statement,tortured: Aseemanand

He alleged that he faced threats of being implicated in false cases

Denying his role in the Samjhauta blast,Swami Aseemanand told the NIA court that his earlier confessions were made under duress. Meanwhile,the court rejected his bail plea and extended his judicial remand to May 26.

Aseemanand told the court that he had given the statement before the Chief Judicial Magistrate,Panchkula,on January 15,as dictated by the NIA team. He alleged that he faced threats of being implicated in false cases.

He claimed that the investigating officer and other officials of CBI tortured him physically and mentally. He added that he was tortured by all investigating agencies in order to achieve some ulterior motives.

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Aseemanand also claimed he was forcibly compelled to sign blank papers and write letters on their dictation to various dignitaries. He said he was threatened by investigating team officials,who allegedly told him that he and his family members would be implicated in false cases if he did not give statements as per their directions.

He further claimed that the Rajasthan ATS forced him to turn approver in the Ajmer blast case by obtaining an application from him under threat. He also said various investigating agencies had forced him to refuse assistance of an advocate,and also prevented him from engaging a lawyer of his choice.

Speaking to media later,Aseemanand claimed that he was innocent.

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